The unpredictability of the Indian Super League is always something to enjoy. You never know what is going to happen.
This is highlighted very well in my predictions in our prediction league we have started, scoring my second week of zero points!
Anyway, less of my failings, it also applies to our Player of the Week, the variety of performers we reward each week changes for many different reasons, and this week it applies to a dominating performance rewarded by scoring a screamer which nearly earned his team all three points.
This week’s award goes to Wellington Priori!
Vs Chennai | 1-1 | G: 1
Midfield Masterclass
The Jamshedpur playmaker played a vital role in steering his side to a great draw away at play-off rivals Chennaiyin FC. Priori’s side almost took all three points only to be denied by an 89th-minute equaliser by Mohammed Rafi.
A good few weeks with positive results have catapulted Jamshedpur into the top four race and their away outing versus a somewhat struggling Chennai could have really cemented their play-off hopes.
They took the lead with what could be the goal of the season by Wellington Priori. A long Andre Bikey effort was cleared out of the box by former Brighton defender Inigo Calderon. This headed clearance fell at the feet of Priori nearly 30 yards away from goal only for the Brazilian to strike it on the volley first time into the far corner of the goal.
After his great effort against NorthEast, he followed it up with this stunning strike, also claiming the 200th goal of this seasons’ Indian Super League, not a bad goal for the landmark, eh?
Despite the great effort and nearly the almost perfect away performance, Chennai’s pressure told on the Jamshedpur defence. A late corner and maybe the last throw of the dice, Subrata Pal was dragged off his line in an unlikely error from the keeper, the ball went deep and there was Mohammed Rafi to head over the keeper into the net to give the home side a well-deserved leveller.
Although a sickener that late into the game, if you had offered Steve Coppell’s men this result, I’m guessing they would have taken it!
Priori’s Persistence
With only a 20% goal conversion rate, you could call Wellington brave for trying many a long shot whenever getting a sniff of some space. His persistence is surely paying off though, two long-range goal of the season contenders in as many weeks have surely rewarded his bravery to take it upon himself when the chance comes around.
Having said this, the Brazilian’s all-round game in the heart of Jamshedpur’s midfield is what has impressed in the ISL.
An average rating of 8.04, miles ahead of their second-best performer, midfield partner, Trindade Goncalves. What has been more impressive is the transition from his first Super League season to this year.
Wellington did not register a single goal or assist in his 12 games in 2016. Compare this to this season where he has three goals and an assist in just seven games, the positive turn-around is clear to see.